@wetsunshine Did you run the NPC for each school? We are looking at an increase in income for 2016 over 2015. In addition, we have two in college for 2016, and then only one in college for 2017-20.
I ran the NPC for different income scenarios and # kids in college at a meets need school. Only the first year was remotely affordable, and even that was going to be a stretch. The net COA for the last three years, according the school’s NPC, was going to be completely out of reach.
We ended up taking a generous fixed merit award to get our net COA below our EFC. It’s the only way for us to be able to afford it.
I hope that helps.